Early September, I remember Coach Bomba saying, "This year is about team." Then fall practices began in the outdoor sun and fresh air with teammates cheering and egging each other on to run more, train consistently, and attend the ice baths rigidly. We had a team vibe going on. The new vibe this year was due to old steady beats and fresh new sounds both local and from 'round the world.
As the season progressed our race stats amplified our team excitement. Our boys were consistent and strong and our women's team never left a race without a medal. My individual season race stats were 4th at Seattle Sundodger meet (season opener), 2nd at WWU Lake Padden, and 3rd at B.C. Championships in Abbotsford (which put me on Team B.C. for Canadian Club Nationals 7K race coming up Nov.30 in Vancouver). I had a grrrrREAT! race at B.C. Championships pulling out a killer final half of the race to negative split and bridge gaps between me and the leaders. Two weeks after this race we were in London, Ontario for our CIS Championship meet (CANWEST Champions would be awarded at this event also).
Coach Bomba detailed what 'taper' would look like for us, and although I have tendencies to continue all my triathlete activities I did slim down my volume 'un peu' (a little) according to his plan and tried hard to stick to that plan. I had to keep reminding myself that Bomba knows best (when it comes to running, that is!).
Anyway, the taper, the mental attitude, the confidence in my training and ability and tactics, AND God's blessing for it all to come together at the right moment lead me into finishing 5th spot nation-wide (CIS) and CanWest Champion!!! Is that exciting? Yes, but there is more! Our women's' team made history by bringing home the CanWest Championship banner!! Remember...."This year is about team!" AND...that 5th spot over-all nabbed me a spot on the Canadian University team going to compete at the World University Games (FISU) in Uganda in March!!!!!
The thing is, I couldn't be more proud of our ladies and men. Our women's team was 13th last year and moved to 4th this year in the nation, and our men's team climbed from 14th to 7th! This weekend held a lot of celebrations for me and when I celebrate my successes I always think of the people in my life that encouraged me, believed in me, and made sporting opportunities possible. My family (especially my number One fan Momma Farkash and major sponsor Pa Farkash) and my new family (especially a bus driver hubby), my Quest leaders, TWU Spartan athletics, Wentings Cycle & Mountain Shop, Phoenix Velo Cycling Club members, Coach Bomba, my training buddies that push me to run and run and run... I can look back a few days to many years and piece together a journey of people that raised me up, God has shown me His goodness in this way. Thank you!
Here are a few links to race results and news articles from the weekend:
TWU Spartan Article
CIS Championship Results
Race VIDEO
Alison Jackson - 5th CIS, 1st CanWest - 21:25.1
Looking forward to Canadian Nationals Nov.30, long winter cycling rides, Christmas, indoor track w/TWU and running in Uganda!!
Wow, it's hard to keep up with all your comings and goings Alison. Apparently, I'm not the only one who can't keep up with you ... YEA, You Go Girl!!!
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